Otterbox's rugged Defender Series case ($89.95) now fits both the iPad 2 and the new iPad. The case comes with a 'shield stand' that props up the case at various angles (click to enlarge).
Otterbox

Most people don't want a bulky case for their new iPad, but some folks are looking for some serious protection. While there are plenty of tough cases for the iPhone 4S, the selection is more limiting for the iPad, and Otterbox remains among the top choices in rugged iPad cases with its Defender Series case.

A front view of the Defender (click to enlarge).
Otterbox

The company has made some tiny tweaks to the design of the Defender (the new case fits both the iPad 2 and iPad third-generation). You get three layers of protection, including a built-in screen cover, and the Defender's outer "shield stand" supports both landscape and portrait viewing and also tilts into a typing position.

It's also worth mentioning that Defender does offer the "smart" on/off feature--magnets in shield initiate sleep mode when the shield is on and awaken the iPad when it's removed.

The price for the Defender Series case remains at $89.95. Alas, while it's certainly rugged and provides excellent protection for your iPad, it isn't waterproof.

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Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable e-reader and e-publishing expert. He's also the author of the novels Knife Music and The Big Exit. Both titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, and Nook e-books.
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